Starting my writing journey a few years ago was one of the hardest things I have ever done. The reason for this was because no one around me wrote. I didn’t know any other writers locally and I had no clue about how to start.

I had a head bulging with story ideas which needed to be emptied but I was apprehensive about doing something creative on my own. After years spent ‘following the crowd’ this decision to write was a huge turning point in my life.

Here are some reasons why it is difficult to embark on a writing journey when no one around you writes:

The idea of being a solo creative adventurer might terrify you, especially if you are like how I used to be and steer away from doing things on your own.

You will worry about the reaction you will get from those who are around you. The words ‘creative writing’ always seem to result in a few raised eyebrows and smiles.

You will have this burning desire to write which won’t leave you alone and I can guarantee no one you talk to will understand. Seriously this desire will wake you up in the small hours, nag you on your way to work and refuse to leave you alone. The more you dismiss it with “no one else writes, I can’t do this on my own!” the more it will stalk. you.

Becoming a writer might feel strange or unheard of, especially if no one in your family has ever been creative, arty or ‘wordy’.

You might have a fear of judgement; what will people think of your writing?

You might have been lucky enough to have a distant relation who did a bit of creative writing and perhaps they were labelled ‘wacky’ or ‘odd’ by other non creative relatives. Will you be given the same label?

You will have no one to bounce ideas off, talk to or get writing advice from. I spent years using this as an excuse not to write.

People around you might try to discourage you. Why would you want to write stuff when it is unlikely you will become the next J.K. Rowling?

The thought of embarking on a writing journey alone makes you feel vulnerable.

Nobody will read your work and the thought of letting loved ones or friends read it fills you with dread. If you have no one to read what you have written – why bother?

You have no idea where to start.

Embarking on my own writing journey has been one of the best things I have ever done.

After a six-week creative writing course I decided to start my blog. I managed to find like-minded creative people online and got over my fears of not having anyone to talk to or bounce ideas off.

My blog allowed me to write in secret for months. I didn’t have to tell anyone close to me about my writing hobby and it helped me gain some confidence.

Embarking on my writing journey alone has helped to turn me into an individual. I am a happier and a stronger person. Plus I am living life on my own creative terms and it feels great!

If you are apprehensive about striking out on your own – do it!

Take the deserted and unfamiliar path.

See where it takes you!

Have a wonderful day my fellow solo creative adventurers!

Lucy x

I didn’t know anyone when I started out and I have just published my first romance novel.

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Lucy Mitchell lives in South Wales with her husband, her two teenage daughters, a giant labrador and a gang of unruly cats.
Lucy is the author of the award winning blog, BlondeWriteMore and was a Featured Romance Author on Wattpad.
When she’s not working or writing, Lucy can be found listening to audiobooks in a muddy field with her dog or sat outside her local pub in the sunshine enjoying a glass of wine.
Her debut novel Instructions Falling In Love Again is OUT now and already pulling in some fabulous reviews ❤️

55 thoughts on “Why It Is So Hard To Write A Book When You Don’t Know Anyone Who Writes #Writer”

I agree that starting a writing journey alone is scary, but thanks to the internet, I was able to meet other writers. Also, I’ll be taking an in-person creative writing course soon, so that will help me meet new people, too =)

Great post Lucy!!! It can be scary when no one else understands but you’re doing it for you… no one else! Who cares if we don’t become the next JK Rowling…. that book inside just needs to get out, and there are many of us to ride along on the journey too. We compare notes!!!

Thanks for this interesting post Lucy, much of which I can relate to. I have 2 writing friends in the real world (as opposed to those I know only via the internet). Of these one attended a creative writing course, while the other did not. My friend who did attend a course found it helpful, while the other person has no desire to participate in such a venture. I am glad that the creative writing course worked for you (and others). I am, however inclined to agree with my friend who has not attended such a course. I am, in short not convinced that one can learn to write by attending a course and/or by reading books on creative writing. If a person possesses talent and they are determined to express themselves, that ability will, ultimately shine all things being equal. It will, however be a hard slog because (as with so many worthwhile things in life), achieving the heights isn’t easy. Best wishes, Kevin

I can completely relate to this. I got over number 5 a while back, but 3 and 10 still haunt me. It’s not that I dread loved ones reading my work, it’s just I fear I always get good feedback even when it is undeserved.

I guess was lucky in that I had one friend who’d written a book and gave me some great advice only I didn’t understand it for about a year and then had to pretty much rewrite everything I’d done in blissful ignorance. It is a scary old pastime to begin with for sure.

Reblogged this on Stacy Bennett and commented:
More pertinent thoughts from Lucy on the writer’s life. I love this woman! I have no local writer friends; they are all online. So this post hits me where I live. Numbers 6 and 7 are my biggest struggles even now. Thanks, Lucy, for this post. I am with you in encouraging others to do it even if it feels awkward and hard. It is so worth it. ❤

I felt the same way when I started writing. It was one thing when I took classes in Creative Writing, but it was totally different after I graduated. It was like I was venturing into uncharted territory. No map, no compass. I did have one source of support: my wife Colleen, who encouraged me to write when I felt like giving up and throwing every notebook I had away. It was because of her that I decided to take writing more seriously. From there, I found like-minded people on social media and started a writing blog.

But as much as I have found support from family and friends, I still struggle with walking this journey. A lot of this fear stems from fear of failure and rejection. It’s not easy, but I am constantly working on overcoming those fears.

You all make me feel so sad. I’m lucky because I didn’t start writing until I retired and ,by then, one doesn’t care who doesn’t understand you, you just do what you want to do!
Be glad that you have a gift and it will only get easier.
Best Wishes, Julie.

My journey in a way has been similar to yours except that my dad is also a writer himself (he writes poetry and in Urdu not English). After sharing my writing at a creative writing workshop I felt that I could write more. I agree with the fact that online you get a lot more exposure and the chance of finding like minded people is more high. I enjoyed reading your post. Keep writing!

I’m actually enjoying the peace of being (almost) the only writer in my circle. Back in highschool a lot of girls got into writing and I still remember the girl who was on of the first in this fad, having a breakdown after the 5th person gave her their script to read and give advice on. “Why does everyone suddenly want to write?! It’s not that easy, you know!”

I completely relate to this post currently. I’m in a state of longing to write yet I’m so lost as to where to begin. I recently enrolled on an online creative writing course to find some stability. This is incredibly motivating to hear how it all worked out for you and I only hope that success continues for you! Im lucky enough to be a circle of creative people who support me but I’m hoping to meet more likeminded people online. Great post!

I could to relate to some of the emotions you described, at the time when I started writing.Now when I look back I just feel that maybe I should have overpowered the nagging questions and started without letting them taking a control over me.But in the end I now cherish and love writing so much!It feels sublime each time to just start writing down your words and enjoy your own journey!Great post.

A terrific post. Number 7 was probably the hardest for me when I started writing – solo. Now, I have the online writing community and friends, and my partner, sister and bestie are all great for bouncing ideas off. They refer to me as a novelist even when I don’t, so they’ve become an extension of my writing tribe.

Hi Lucy, I have no one in my real world who writes. I’ve told them about my Facebook page, some follow but they don’t read. Absolutely no one in my real world has said to my face that they have enjoyed any of my storys on my blog. My husband doesn’t even read me, though he is a reader. I think those around me feel I’m mad to think that I can write a book. Maybe thinking that I’m wasting my time writing nonsense. I am not a very confident person at all. Hence opportunity for promotion came up a few weeks ago and I didn’t apply. I won’t get it anyway and I’m busy with my writing. I don’t need more stress.

Writing is hard work, I need to step back from my blogs but can’t. The only encouragement I get to keep on writing is from other bloggers. I have a small writing group but my writing feels rubbish in comparison to theirs, they are very knowledgeable.

Yes a very hard road. Well done to you for keeping going. I finished your book 1am a few nights /mornings ago and left you a review in Amazon, Thankyou for not giving up, I enjoyed your book.

Sorry I am a little late in replying. So what you are describing what was me when I started. No one in the real world said they read and enjoyed my stuff and my husband didn’t read me. I thought exactly what you are thinking. The only encouragement I got was from other bloggers. You do need to step back from your blogs but I can understand how they made you feel. I found I got more encouragement from the real world when I told them I was writing a book. I don’t think people who don’t write get blogs. You are an excellent writer. I have read your work. Don’t give up x